2008 Woodie Awards
Narcotics Anonymous benefits students
Local program opens the door to recovery
By Alan Jaquith
Rocket Contributor
Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: News
Adam is 35 years old and married.
He has received his bachelor's degree in counseling and development from Slippery Rock University and is currently attending graduate school.
He is also an addict.
Although Adam has had neither drugs nor alcohol since Aug. 29, 2000, he understands the scope of student drug and alcohol abuse.
It is because of this understanding that Narcotics Anonymous is making its debut on campus.
"We felt that there was a need for NA in the area, especially for students.
A lot of them are stuck on campus without a car and have no way to get to a meeting," Adam said.
According to Adam, who chose to withhold his last name to remain true to NA's tradition of anonymity, students have already shown an interest in the group.
NA has had several calls from students who believe that they have a problem with alcohol or drugs, and several calls from students who don't know how to cope with loved ones that do.
"Maybe they are in trouble and they don't know where to go," Adam said.
"And a lot of students don't really know what recovery is."
What makes NA unique from other rehabilitation programs is that there are no non-addict members.
It is through this method that NA promotes its message that no one will judge.
Members frequently tell life stories during meetings, recalling difficulties experienced during the recovery process.
"That's how the NA works. It's one addict helping another," Adam said.
Students have noticed the many flyers on campus and realize that alcohol and drug abuse is a problem.
"I've noticed that drug abuse has been a problem for people since high school, and it seems like it has only increased since college.
Not just in Slippery Rock, but at all universities," said Laura Malinak, a 22-year-old secondary education-history major. "People don't realize how close to home it really is."
Student concern about attending the meetings has revolved around one central topic, Adam said. That topic is surveillance.
He has received his bachelor's degree in counseling and development from Slippery Rock University and is currently attending graduate school.
He is also an addict.
Although Adam has had neither drugs nor alcohol since Aug. 29, 2000, he understands the scope of student drug and alcohol abuse.
It is because of this understanding that Narcotics Anonymous is making its debut on campus.
"We felt that there was a need for NA in the area, especially for students.
A lot of them are stuck on campus without a car and have no way to get to a meeting," Adam said.
According to Adam, who chose to withhold his last name to remain true to NA's tradition of anonymity, students have already shown an interest in the group.
NA has had several calls from students who believe that they have a problem with alcohol or drugs, and several calls from students who don't know how to cope with loved ones that do.
"Maybe they are in trouble and they don't know where to go," Adam said.
"And a lot of students don't really know what recovery is."
What makes NA unique from other rehabilitation programs is that there are no non-addict members.
It is through this method that NA promotes its message that no one will judge.
Members frequently tell life stories during meetings, recalling difficulties experienced during the recovery process.
"That's how the NA works. It's one addict helping another," Adam said.
Students have noticed the many flyers on campus and realize that alcohol and drug abuse is a problem.
"I've noticed that drug abuse has been a problem for people since high school, and it seems like it has only increased since college.
Not just in Slippery Rock, but at all universities," said Laura Malinak, a 22-year-old secondary education-history major. "People don't realize how close to home it really is."
Student concern about attending the meetings has revolved around one central topic, Adam said. That topic is surveillance.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Drug rehabilitation
posted 12/02/08 @ 2:02 PM EST
There is a desperate need of drug treatment for students. I've been a student and I know that a student's life doesn't have much rules. This makes students a target for drug and alcohol use. (Continued…)
Post a Comment